Tags

Featured Artist

"You could say I was one of the pioneers in fashion design, and what a struggle it was at the time!"

"I'm Ritu Agnihotri, and to me, to have the ability to create is something I treasure dearly. I so enjoyed the drawing classes I used to take during my free time. I would sit quietly making my own sketches and paintings.

"I was born on September 6, 1961, which makes me part of a generation when fashion design was new to India. You could say I was one of the pioneers in fashion design, and what a struggle it was at the time! After graduating from the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, I pursued my dreams with earnest. Now I specialize in textile design featuring a blend of embroidered work with strong print lines.

"What I enjoy doing most are textured prints, which are not the regular flat prints you find in the markets. I use traditional motifs from different regions in India, but I make them slightly different. It's not contrived, as I intentionally avoid drawing it out too perfectly.

"When I exhibited my designs in Calcutta, all who came appreciated what they saw. Through their comments I was aware they could tell my designs are somewhat different from what they usually see in the market. I also had an exhibition in Kenya with my prints and embroideries, and I realized I felt a connection with the rustic prints they make there. I am familiar with historic patterns, and believe the vibrant compositions in their woven baskets and fabrics can be related to the way we Indians use our colors.

"Just like I connect with the past, I have a deep bond with the prints I make, which are all done with linoleum cuts. I make the designs on a rubber plate and etch out my patterns, then take a paper impression. During those moments of creation, I am just quiet and at peace with everything around me, while inside I am vibrant with energy that gets transferred into my designs. It's an incredible exploratory moment. All the prints you see come from my initial explorations, which I transform into something you can relate to.

"I've made my prints and designed my clothes with a lot of passion and delight; I hope you enjoy wearing them."

Versatile in milk-white cotton, this tunic from India is destined to be admired for its hand-embroidered floral patterns. Shalabh designs this must-have tunic featuring chikankari embroidery, a style... Read More

Leafy vines sway in the gentle breeze on this beautiful, lightweight blouse from India. Intricate white chikankari embroidery adorns the upper areas of the blouse, adding a delightfully feminine... Read More

Handloomed cotton in glorious gray becomes a blouse by Ritu Agnihotri. With its easy fit, three-quarter length sleeves and slits at the hem, this tunic goes everywhere in style. Lavish floral motifs... Read More

Current Promotions

Your support makes a real difference to the lives of artisans.

Ernestina Asante

West Africa

Although carving has long been regarded as the preserve of men, Ernestina has been able to make her own mark on the industry, carving her own masks and djembe drums.

Through her sales with NOVICA, Ernestina has grown as an entrepreneur, expanding her business and taking on apprentices. She even persuaded her husband who was a taxi driver to quit his job and join NOVICA as a carver.